Is your morning shower feeling more like a drizzle than a downpour? Are your faucets dribbling rather than flowing?
If you’re wondering whether your water pressure is taking a nosedive in your Newnan, GA home, you’re not alone. Low water pressure can turn everyday tasks into frustrating challenges.
Read on to find out what causes low water pressure, and what your options are.
Pipe Corrosion or Blockages
One common issue that can lead to low water pressure is pipe corrosion or blockages. In Newnan, GA, where older homes may have galvanized steel pipes, corrosion over time can restrict water flow.
Additionally, mineral deposits and debris can accumulate within pipes. That causes blockages that impede water pressure.
Unusual noises can also signal pipe corrosion or blockages. These noises may occur as water tries to navigate around obstructions or damaged areas within the pipes. These often include banging or clanking sounds when using water fixtures.
Another indicator of pipe issues is the presence of discolored or rusty water. If you turn on a faucet and notice brown or reddish water coming out, it’s likely a sign of corrosion within the pipes.
Corrosion can lead to the buildup of rust and sediment. That can impede water flow and contribute to low water pressure.
Leaks
One common indication of leaks causing low water pressure is a sudden and unexplained drop in water pressure.
If you see a significant drop in flow from your faucets, showers, or other fixtures, it may suggest a leak somewhere in your home’s plumbing.
Watch out for water stains or wet spots on walls, ceilings, or floors. Those can indicate hidden leaks within your home’s infrastructure.
By addressing leaks promptly, you can not only restore adequate water pressure but also prevent potential water damage and save on utility costs.
Water Heater Problems
Your water heater is also something to watch out for.
Over time, minerals and debris can accumulate at the bottom of the water tank, reducing its capacity and restricting the flow of water. This can result in decreased water pressure when using hot water throughout your home.
If you notice significantly weaker water flow when using hot water, it may suggest that the water heater is not operating efficiently, leading to diminished pressure.
Another sign is sudden changes. If you see fluctuations in water temperature or find that the water is not as hot as it used to be, it could indicate issues with the water heater that may be affecting water pressure.
Faulty Pressure Regulator
The pressure regulator is an important component of your home’s plumbing system, responsible for maintaining consistent water pressure from the municipal supply to your property.
If you suspect a faulty pressure regulator is causing low water pressure, there are several signs to look out for Check the pressure at water fixtures throughout your home.
If you consistently experience weak water pressure across multiple fixtures, it could indicate a systemic issue with water pressure regulation.
Excessive high water pressure can be a sign of a malfunctioning pressure regulator. High water pressure can strain your pipes, fixtures, and appliances, leading to leaks, bursts, and premature wear and tear.
If you observe signs of high water pressure, such as banging pipes or dripping faucets, it’s essential to investigate the condition of the pressure regulator.
Closed Valves
Closed valves can restrict or block the flow of water, leading to decreased water pressure in your home.
To determine if closed valves are contributing to low water pressure, start by checking all accessible valves throughout your property. Valves may be located near fixtures, appliances, or along water supply lines.
Water Supply Issues
Low water pressure in your Newnan, GA home can often stem from various water supply issues, both within your property and from the municipal water system.
Understanding the signs of low water pressure can help you identify and address the underlying causes effectively.
Shared Pipelines
Shared pipelines can lead to reduced water pressure if the demand exceeds the capacity of the shared system. It’s commonly found in multi-unit buildings or neighborhoods where properties share a common water supply line.
One indicator of low water pressure due to shared pipelines is consistency among neighboring properties.
If residents in nearby homes or units are also experiencing low water pressure, it suggests that the issue may be related to the shared water supply line rather than individual plumbing systems.
Another sign of low water pressure in homes with shared pipelines is reduced water flow during peak usage times. If you notice a significant decrease in water pressure when multiple households are using water simultaneously, it may indicate that the shared system is struggling to meet the demand.
Elevation Changes
Elevation changes can sometimes contribute to low water pressure in your Newnan, GA home, especially if your property is located at a higher elevation relative to the municipal water supply source.
One common indicator of low water pressure due to elevation changes is reduced water flow from faucets, showers, and other fixtures throughout your home.
If you consistently experience weak water flow, particularly on upper floors or in areas farthest from the main water supply line, it may suggest that the water has difficulty reaching those higher points.
Cross-Connection Control Issues
Cross-connections occur when non-potable water sources, such as irrigation systems or industrial equipment, come into contact with the drinking water supply, posing contamination risks.
However, cross-connection control devices, such as backflow preventers, are installed to safeguard against this risk, and malfunctioning of these devices can lead to low water pressure.
System Design or Sizing
The design and sizing of your plumbing system play a critical role in ensuring adequate water pressure.
Consider consulting a professional plumber. A licensed plumber can evaluate your plumbing system’s layout, pipe sizes, and other design factors to determine if they are optimized for efficient water flow and pressure.
What Causes Low Water Pressure? Now You Know
What causes low water pressure? Hopefully, you now have some idea of how to solve your problem.
Do you need help with your weak water pressure? Progressive Heating, Air and Plumbing is here for you. We’ve been helping Atlanta homeowners like you for over 30 years.
Contact us today.